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$4 million in bonuses given to 200 employees at Michigan company

LUDINGTON, Mich. — It's about to be an incredible holiday for dozens of workers at a west Michigan business after the owner told them he'd be handing out $4 million in bonuses.

The 200 employees of FloraCraft, based in Ludington, Michigan, will be getting an average of more than $20,000 in bonuses. Owner Lee Schoenherr announced the plans during a holiday party.

Each gift was based on longevity of service, and shared as both a cash bonus and a special gift to the employee's 401(k) plan. Those with more than 40 years of tenure will get around $60,000 in bonuses.

“I believe strongly in giving back to the community by supporting initiatives that make Ludington a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family,” Schoenherr said in a press release from the company. “A few years ago, I began thinking that I would like to do something more targeted for our employees, who really are the heart and soul of FloraCraft."

According to the release, employees responded with applause and cheers, with many lining up to thank Schoenherr personally.

The company said the average employee has a tenure of nine years, and some families are second- and third-generation employees.

“The news today was fantastic. I didn’t expect anything like that — and I’m very happy," one employee said, according to the release.

“It was very humbling. I started crying — it was huge for him to do something like that for everybody," another added.

“This idea has developed over the past year and is my way of saying 'Thank you' to our team for the role they have had in our success," Schoenherr said. "But don’t think this means I’m exiting or selling the business — I love what I do and am committed to maintaining the independence of FloraCraft."

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